Pictured above: The Northern store in Kuujjuaq, QC
Our Community Promise
The North West Company Inc. is proud of the active role we play within the communities we serve, striving to make a positive, progressive difference. Our contributions within the community of Kuujjuaq, QC, are a testament to our commitment.
Constituted in 1979, Kuujjuaq is now Nunavik’s largest community, with 2,754 residents – a warm and welcoming community with a predominantly Inuit population.“Kuujjuaq” is the Inuktitut name for “Great River”, highlighting the community’s ties to the land and its traditions. The community’s former name of Fort Chimo – an Anglicization of the phrase saimuk, meaning “Let’s shake hands!” – honours the friendly and collaborative disposition of the land’s historical residents.
Today, Kuujjuaq is accessible through its airport, hosting flights in and out of the community on a daily basis. With its location 50 km upstream of the Ungava Bay on the western shore of the Koksoak River, Kuujjuaq is a regional transportation hub with two airstrips serving flights that connect many of the other communities in the area. The nearest accessible airport is Montreal, 1,443 km away.
Did you know?
North West is proud of the positive impact we have on the community.
1. Employment: We are one of the most prominent employers in Kuujjuaq, with our Northern store employing 18 individuals. Our commitment to local talent is demonstrated through our workforce consisting of 39% Indigenous employees.*
2. Capital Investment: Northern has made a $2,933,323 capital investment in the Kuujjuaq store over a 10-year period.*
3. Annual Economic Impact: Northern is making a positive impact in Kuujjuaq, with $1,355,505 annual economic impact in the community.*
Kuujjuaq Northern Store Manager, Kate Carter, and her team are significant community supporters.
“Kuujjuaq is a beautiful community to live and work in,” says Carter. “As anywhere else because of the pandemic, 2020 was challenging, but Kuujjuaq came together as a community and ensured everyone was safe and healthy. We are happy to contribute in any way we can. It is truly a pleasure to work here and to have many people in Kuujjuaq that we can call friends.”
*For the year ending 2020